Examining current research on local food: a review. Studies by Undergraduate Researchers at Guelph

The decision to purchase local food is fast growing into a popular movement across North America. This research paper reviews the literature that examined the various consumer behaviour factors surrounding the local food movement, as well as the suggested possible benefits. This research also provides insights gained from in-depth interviews with local food community members to understand the unique characteristics of the local food movement within the author’s own community. Finally, suggestions for further research are laid out, indicating considerations required for the replication of studies completed across the United States and London, England. he decision to purchase locally is a divisive issue. It has been praised as an opportunity to support the local economy and cut down on the rising costs (fiscal and environmental) of obtaining food from great distances. However, critics regard the movement as a gross oversimplification of food provisioning issues, indicating that transportation is only a small part of the process and “going local ” overlooks the rest of the life cycle of food products, such as production and disposal. As a result, ther